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Facts about Golden Retriever Puppies
Are you unsure how to care for Golden Retriever puppies or just want to learn more about this breed? Or maybe you are thinking about buying a dog and want to know if this is the right breed for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
Golden Retriever History
The breed, also known as a Yellow Retriever, was developed in the Scottish Highlands from a cross of wavy-coated retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels (now extinct) and the Irish Setter.
The breed was developed in the late 19th century by Lord Tweedmouth who wanted to create a retriever best suited to the Scottish climate and terrain.
Originally bred as a retriever, it's also used in search and rescue, hunting, as a guide dog for the blind and a therapy dog. And, of course, it's also very popular as a companion dog.
Physical Characteristics of Golden Retriever Puppies
This is a medium to large-size dog. It has a muscular body with a broad head, black or brown nose, brown eyes and drop ears.
The double coat consists of a short and dense undercoat and a thick outer coat. The outer coat can be straight of wavy and comes in various shades of gold.
The coat is shortest at the head and front of the legs. There is some feathering around the neck, at the back of the legs, chest and tail.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 23 to 24 inches | 65 to 75 pounds | |
| Female | 21.5 to 22.5 inches | 55 to 65 pounds |
Temperament
The Golden Retriever is an intelligent, playful, outgoing and even-tempered dog. It's very friendly and gets along well with other pets and children. Its friendliness extends not only to the people it knows but to strangers too.
To make them feel like a part of the family, include them in your family activities.
They love human company, enjoy pleasing their masters and are easy to train.
When training, always use a positive reinforcement method, or your pet will "shut down". For more information on positive reinforcement techniques, visit dog behavior training and obedience training for dogs pages.
These dogs are very athletic and excel at obedience trials and dog agility. They are also excellent swimmers.
Best Owner
This breed will do best with an active owner in a suburban environment.
Some Golden Retriever breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure they are qualified.
Activity and Exercise
The Golden Retriever is a moderately active dog.
Provide him with plenty of exercise, including running off leash in a safe place.
If you are into jogging or bicycle riding, this is your chance to get some exercise together, but make sure your pet is on leash.
Another activity you may try is playing fetch. This breed loves retrieving things and can get a good workout from it.
At a minimum, take him for one or two long walks every day.
Grooming
The breed is an average shedder. Comb and brush regularly with a firm brush. Pay attention to the dense undercoat.
Bathe only when necessary.
Health Concerns
Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, PRA, cancer, cataracts, skin allergies and heart disease.
Another concern involves excessive weight gain, to which the breed is susceptible. Do not over feed your pet and provide plenty of exercise to keep the weight in check.
To avoid the above and many other problems, buy only from reputable Golden Retriever breeders.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for a Golden Retriever puppy is between 10 and 12 years.
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